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Press Release

CIT Launches ireland's only MSc in Artificial Intelligence

The Department of Computer Science at Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) is delighted to announce the launch of a new full-time master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence (AI). This innovative programme provides a technical deep-dive into the area of AI. The programme aims to produce AI engineers with a highly relevant skillset in AI topics. Students will learn how to use and develop intelligent computer systems that can learn from experience, recognise patterns in vast amounts of data and reason strategically in complex decision-making situations. The programme content will deliver a comprehensive range of topics integral to the study of AI. These include machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, optimisation, anomaly detection and big data processing to name but a few. The programme will start in September 2018 producing the first AI graduates in 2019.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a field of computer science that enables computers and machines to perform tasks normally requiring human intelligence. Its many applications range from chess-playing robots and autonomous cars to speech, image, and language processing, robotic manufacturing, and surveillance systems. In the twenty-first century, AI has experienced a resurgence following concurrent advances in computer power, large amounts of data, and theoretical understanding. AI techniques have now become an essential part of the technology industry, helping to solve many challenging problems in computer science.

The programme contains challenging and interesting modules delivered by lecturers who are experts in AI. Students will be presented with opportunities to work on industry focused projects and research opportunities linked to the domain expertise of each lecturer. Staff in the Department of Computer Science have built an excellent national and international record in the application of AI and Machine Learning research in sectors ranging from renewable energy to life science. They regularly publish in high-impact AI journals and have attracted research funding from sources such as Science Foundation Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, Irish Research Council, Health Research Board, and the European Commission.

Welcoming the launch of the programme Donal Sullivan, Vice-President, Johnson Controls Ireland said “Really encouraging to see Cork Institute of Technology launching the Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence programme. As IoT devices enable smarter buildings and cities, harvesting, storing, securing and most critically understanding these vast amounts of data, at speed, becomes increasingly important. Artificial Intelligence enabled by greater computing power and increased access to data streams will be the underpinning technology that drives the next wave of the information age”

Welcoming the new programme John Cormican, Site Manager at Jaguar Land Rover said "Jaguar Land Rover already leverage AI and machine learning in many aspects of the vehicle today. We are very excited about the launch of the new MSc in Artificial Intelligence in Cork Institute of Technology, as graduates from this programme will be perfectly suited to meet our current and future hiring needs in automated driving and other technologies."

Leo Clancy, Head of Technology, Consumer & Business Services at IDA Ireland said: “IDA welcomes the launch of this new full-time master’s degree in AI at the Cork Institute of Technology (CIT). AI is an area of huge growth globally and is fundamentally important to IDA’s clients and their future plans. Ireland has a significant opportunity to build upon our record base of Foreign Direct Investment through ensuring we have a skilled and capable workforce in this critical area.”

Denis Kennelly, General Manager, IBM Hybrid Cloud Integration Software said “Great to see Cork Institute of Technology launching the Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence programme. As data has become the new fuel of the digital economy, Artificial Intelligence is now playing a critical role in understanding the zeta bytes of structured and un-structured data that exists in the world today. We are just at the beginning of the next era of computing with data at the core and Artificial Intelligence providing the unique insights”.

The Department of Computer Science at CIT is one of the largest Computer Science departments in Ireland. Offering a range of modern undergraduate programmes and a host of opportunities at master's degree and at PhD level. Our industry engaged programmes match the needs of our economy and have an excellent reputation for producing the most employable computer science graduates in the region.